Many Canadians are sick and tired of hearing the stereotypes that they say “eh” all the time and are obsessed with hockey, according to a new study.
Online learning platform Preply released a new report debunking or confirming national stereotypes, and the ones that made the list probably won’t surprise you. In fact, the study said 86 per cent of Canadians are tired of hearing at least one stereotype about their country.
The study compiled a list of common Canadian cliches that Canadians hate and saying “eh” topped the list with 42 per cent of Canadians disliking that stereotype. Next on the list was a love for hockey, which was disliked by 40 per cent, and then a love for Tim Hortons and speaking French were both disliked by 37 per cent of respondents.
Nine in 10 Canadians think stereotypes about Canada are mostly positive, however six in 10 Canadians think stereotypes are harmful and seven in 10 say they can be viewed as racism.
Although many residents reported their disdain for stereotypes, some cliches seemed to be embraced by Canadians. The most welcome stereotype included in the report is that Canadians are overly apologetic, as only 24 per cent of Canadians said they disliked that stereotype.
PERCEPTIONS AMONG CANADIANS AND AMERICANS
Preply surveyed both Canadians and Americans about perceived cliches in each country.
Ninety-seven per cent of Canadians think Canada is more welcoming to immigrants than the U.S., while 95 per cent of Canadians believe Canada is more 2SLGBTQ-friendly compared to south of the border.
Interestingly, 86 per cent of Americans believe Canadians are more neighbourly and 85 per cent believe Canadians are happier than them.
Meanwhile, 94 per cent of Americans believe they are more materialistic than Canadians and 92 per cent believe they are more religious.
“Respondents were in agreement with most perceptions. Better healthcare access, happier and healthier residents, higher education values, and lower crime rates were all associated with Canada, according to our findings,” read the report.
“On the other hand, more materialistic values, more passion for sports, more patriotism, more racism, and more support of the military were all associated with the U.S,” the report continued.
However, when it comes to humour, each country finds itself funnier than the other.
Preply said it surveyed residents in both Canada and the U.S. to determine which Canadian stereotypes are viewed as true and which Canadians disagree with. For more on the methodology, visit here.
